How to Sew on Patches- Girl and Boy Scout

I am often asked by non-sewing people, how to sew on a patch.  I sew on iron-on patches too, because I am suspisious that way.  I generally match the top and bottom thread to the patch background color.  I use a long machine stitch if I might need to remove the patches later. 

The 759 were originally on his blue cub uniform.  They  

were sewn on using a rectangle (see back, below). 

The patches below were tricky because they are on a pocket.  I hand sewed those in a matching thread.  I insert a plastic ruler in the pocket so I don't accidently sew the pocket shut.



Feline Friday- Quilts by Denyse Schmidt

Here is Olive, sewed by my daughter when she was 9, with my help.  Olive is 16" long.  We used the book Quilts by Denyse Schmidt, 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects .  The original project had a pieced stomach, but I simplified it with a square applique.  Same basic look as the original. 

A fun project to do together!

 The book has some other great projects- lots of bold, graphic design quilts of course.  There are also pot holders, coasters, cards, an apron and bags, among other things.  I love her choices of statement making colors.

Individual Sewing Lessons

A reminder:  I give individual sewing lessons as well as group lessons!

If you are stuck during your project, I can help you past the rough spot.  If your sewing machine is still in the box, I can help get you started!

I'm listed on thumbtack, sewing instruction


Pattern Review- Simplicity 4273

Happy First Day of Spring!  It has been feeling like Spring for at least a week here.  In my effort to use fabric I already have, I sewed up a nice warm weather top.  Plus I was test fitting at the same time.  The top has a seam and shirring under the bustline for a nice fitted look.  There is a side zipper.  The top really wanted some lace around the neckline.  The button came from etsy, buttons by robin.  This was a freebie she sent with my order!

Feline Friday- Patchwork Applique Cat

This week I made a patchwork applique cat.  A friend gave me a bunch of pre-cut squares (not all the same size- roughly 3"x3") that I used for this project.  I decided it didn't matter if any corners matched up (I knew they wouldn't)- it just adds to the charm!  I sewed a bunch of beige and tan together for the background and some blue ones together for the cat.

To make the applique, I cut a solid piece of fabric and placed it right sides together with the patchwork.  I sketched my cat and then sewed around the design.

Trim seams, clip curves and here it is ready to be turned right side out.  This method is much easier than trying to turn down all the edges.

Here is the finished applique.  I machine stitched around the edges.  I really like the effect of patchwork on patchwork. 

Here is a close up of the stitching.  I'm not sure what this will ultimately become- a pillow? a wall hanging? part of a larger quilt?  the front of a tote bag?  What do you think?